The Oyo State government has withdrawn all criminal charges against Queen Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, owner of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan. The charges were originally filed following the tragic stampede during a children’s festive party in December 2024, which resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children.
The withdrawal of the charges was confirmed by Oyo State’s Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, who spoke to the media after a court session on Thursday. The defendants, visibly relieved, smiled and exchanged pleasantries, signaling their release from the charges.
The charges against Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi stemmed from the horrific stampede that occurred during a children’s event at Islamic High School, Bashorun, in December 2024. The tragic incident left families devastated as many young children were killed in the chaos of the stampede. The children had gathered to celebrate a festive occasion when a sudden rush led to the tragic loss of life. The event was widely covered in the media and sparked public outcry, particularly due to the involvement of prominent figures like Queen Naomi, a well-known personality in Nigeria.
The tragic deaths raised serious questions about safety measures at public events, especially those involving children. With emotions running high, the Oyo State government acted quickly to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede and determine who was responsible for the incident.
Following the incident, the Oyo State government filed charges against Queen Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi, accusing them of being responsible for the events that led to the deaths. Naomi, who had organized the event in collaboration with others, and Hamzat, the owner of the radio station, were both implicated in the case. Fasasi, the principal of the school where the incident took place, was also included in the charges.
The legal proceedings were closely followed by the public, as the investigation sought to uncover the root causes of the tragic event. The Attorney General’s office led the prosecution, while the defense argued that the accused had shown cooperation and were not a flight risk. The case initially sparked strong reactions, with many Nigerians demanding justice for the victims and their families.
In an effort to ensure justice was served, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan had granted bail to the defendants earlier in the legal process. The court, presided over by Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin, granted bail to the trio, with Naomi’s bail set at N10 million and two sureties, while Hamzat and Fasasi also had similar bail conditions. The court also ordered that the suspects deposit their passports with the court and restricted them from making public statements or engaging in media interviews.
Despite the bail, many questioned whether the state was doing enough to hold the accused accountable. The state government made it clear that those responsible for the stampede would face prosecution, but the trial would follow the due process of law.
In a surprise development, Oyo State Attorney General, Abiodun Aikomo, announced on Thursday that the state had decided to drop the charges against the accused. Aikomo, speaking to journalists after the court session, explained that the decision was made after considering the empathy and compassion shown by the defendants.
“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many,” Aikomo said during a live broadcast on Facebook with SaharaReporters. “And you see, in law, whenever death occurs and the circumstances are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation.”
He further explained that, as the legal process unfolded, the accused had expressed deep regret and sympathy for the families of the victims. Their actions, according to Aikomo, showed a genuine effort to make amends and demonstrate empathy. Given these factors, the state government concluded that continuing with the prosecution would not serve the purpose of justice.
“The essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them. It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges,” Aikomo added.
The decision to drop the charges was met with mixed reactions from the public. While some believed that the decision was a step toward healing and reconciliation, others expressed concern that it would set a dangerous precedent and undermine accountability. The families of the victims, in particular, have been left to deal with the emotional and financial toll of the tragedy, and many are still seeking justice for their lost loved ones.
However, the defendants appeared visibly relieved as they left the court. Queen Naomi, Hamzat, and Fasasi were seen smiling and exchanging pleasantries, a clear sign of their release from the criminal charges. The defendants’ legal teams have also expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing that the decision to drop the charges was a fair and just one given the circumstances.
Naomi, who had been under intense scrutiny due to her high-profile role in the event, thanked her supporters and the legal system for the fair handling of the case. Similarly, Hamzat and Fasasi expressed their gratitude for the court’s decision.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had previously stated that those responsible for the stampede should face trial, but he also expressed openness to granting bail during the legal proceedings. Makinde’s administration has emphasized its commitment to justice, and the decision to drop the charges was made in the spirit of fairness and reconciliation.
It is not clear whether the state government will take any further action, but the incident remains a topic of public debate in Oyo State and beyond. For now, the defendants are free from the legal proceedings, but the painful memories of the tragic stampede linger in the minds of the victims’ families.
The tragic stampede in Ibadan continues to cast a shadow over the state, with many questioning the safety measures for public events, especially those involving children. While the legal case against the three individuals has been dropped, it is important to remember that the incident is far from over for the families who lost loved ones. Many are still waiting for closure and justice, and the incident serves as a reminder of the need for better safety regulations and accountability in public gatherings across Nigeria.
The Oyo State government’s decision to drop the charges is a complicated one, and its impact on public trust in the legal system remains to be seen. As the state moves forward, it will be crucial for all parties involved to continue to work toward healing and ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again.
